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The Check-In: A Win for Women's Triathlon

The NCAA approves women's triathlon and IRONMAN swings over to South Africa.

NCAA Approves Women's Triathlon

In case you missed it last week, women’s triathlon was approved as an emerging sport by the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I Legislative Committee, a step toward the sport achieving full varsity status. Two days later, women's triathlon was voted into DII and DIII competition at the 2014 NCAA Convention in San Diego, Calif. Schools competing at any of the three NCAA levels will be able to field a team as early as August 2014.

Cunnama and Swallow Favored in South Africa

This weekend’s IRONMAN 70.3 South Africa will see Belgium’s Bart Aernouts return to defend his title. Aernouts will have to contend with James Cunnama, who is coming into the race fresh off his fourth place finish at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona—the best ever finish for a South African. Cunnama was sharp in the latter part of the 2013 season with a win at IRONMAN 70.3 Cozumel before heading to Kona, and will undoubtedly mount a strong challenge, hoping for a first win on South African soil.

South Africa’s Kent Horner and Kyle Buckingham, who will be making his first pro appearance, will be racing, as will Britain’s Will Clarke and 2005 IRONMAN world champion, Faris Al-Sultan from Germany.

The women’s field will feature Great Britain’s Jodie Swallow, who will be attempting to make it four successive title wins in Buffalo City. The 2010 IRONMAN 70.3 world champion will have her hands full with Belgium’s Tine Deckers, Czech star Lucie Reed and Switzerland’s Simone Braendli.

Visit the IRONMAN 70.3 South Africa event page for more information about the course, professional ranking points, prize purse and age group qualifying slots. Check back on Sunday and follow the action as it unfolds through live text updates and on the athlete tracker. Join the race day conversation on Facebook and Twitter using #IM703SA.

Races in Review: Frodeno and Morrison Storm Through New Zealand

It was only a question of when Germany's Jan Frodeno would win his first IRONMAN 70.3, and the talented Olympian snagged his first victory New Zealand in convincing fashion last weekend. On the women's side, Scotland's Cat Morrison used her patented come-from-behind run for another impressive win.

Photo of the Week

Instagram of the Week

"The kids from #MakeAWish have been presenting medals all day at the #im703auckland finish line. Such a heartwarming sight to see these kids participate in making others dreams come true. #AnythingisPossible#inspire"

Friday Quick Swim Set

This week's workout comes from Michael Lovato and is a basic early-season speed workout that gives you a total of 3,000 meters/yards.

Wellington Takes on the 4321 Challenge

Four-time IRONMAN world champion Chrissie Wellington has a new challenge for 2014, this time for charity.

Wellington will be part of a four-person team taking on the well-known "Three Peaks Challenge," but with a twist. They’ll be running up and down the three highest peaks in the UK: Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, and cycling in between. That’s 27 miles of mountain running and 450 miles of road cycling, in around 48 hours.

"I’ve got a few IRONMAN titles under my belt but nothing compares to my fear of undertaking this challenge," said Wellington. "I usually get to stop at around nine hours. This time I have to keep going for 48! It’s going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done, but hopefully the most gratifying and definitely the most fun. It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise money for two hugely worthwhile causes whilst also ticking my masochistic box."

The self-organized event will raise money and awareness for two exceptional charities: The Rainbow Trust, who support the families of terminally ill children in the UK, and ‘JOLE RIDER’, who deliver bikes to Africa so children can get to school.

A Boy for the Butterfields

Professional triathletes Nikki and Tyler Butterfield welcomed their second child, Walker James Butterfield, into the world on Tuesday evening. A huge congrats from the IRONMAN community goes out to the entire family.

Lawn to Retire Soon?

Auckland-based Jo Lawn, who lives on the IRONMAN 70.3 Auckland course, is undecided about whether last weekend's race will be her final one before retirement. Fighting back the tears after the race, the seven-time IRONMAN New Zealand winner said: "I love the triathlon people so much it is hard to know when to stop. I know, though, at some point I have to move on and start the next phase of my life. I'm proud of this event because I want all my friends around the world to visit what I believe to be the best country in the world."

Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team Announced

The Uplace-BMC Pro Triathlon Team has revealed its full 2014 line-up. The powerhouse team will include Corinne Abraham, Bart Aernouts, Liz Blatchford, Dirk Bockel, Will Clarke, Helle Frederiksen, Sofie Goos, Romain Guillaume, Ronnie Schildknecht and Axel Zeebroek. Team members will start competing at this Sunday’s IRONMAN 70.3 South Africa. These 10 world-class long distance triathletes have already collected 39 IRONMAN titles, 75 IRONMAN podium finishes and seven top-10 spots at the IRONMAN World Championship.

"Last year, we announced our ambition to become the most successful professional team in the sport. We have worked very hard to set up a professional structure and expert support and, most importantly, to attract the talent that makes this ambitious goal a realistic one," said Team Manager Bob De Wolf.

Gear Up: IRONMAN Timex 150 Lap Mid Watch

This cutting-edge performance watch allows you to access information without breaking your stride, giving you the edge when every second counts. TapScreen Technology logs split times with one firm tap on the watch face. Glancing at the oversized display, or listening to the audible alarms, provides real-time performance feedback.